The art of packing a carry-on bag is simple—bring as much as you need to stay comfortable and entertained. For me, that’s a lot of stuff. However, after years of traveling and perfecting my packing strategy (without feeling like a pack mule), I’ve finally nailed down my must-have equation.

A Good Book

A good book is always on my list. Whether it’s on a Kindle or a classic hardcover, a solid read is a travel essential! A book keeps you entertained whether you’re on a train, bus, or waiting in long airport lines. If you’re traveling with others, it also creates the perfect excuse for some much-needed me time. As an avid reader, I keep a go-to book list to share with friends—check it out here!

If you’re a fellow book lover, follow me on Fable!

Stay Hydrated

One of the biggest travel mistakes? Getting dehydrated. Nothing ruins the start of an adventure faster than not taking care of yourself. Save yourself the hassle of remembering to drink water and invest in a HidrateSpark water bottle. Not only does it send text reminders, but it also lights up when you haven’t taken a sip in a while—perfect for those of us who get caught up in the hustle and bustle of travel.

Face Mask

A controversial take, but my skin gets so dry on long-haul flights—especially when I’m trying to avoid drinking too much water and disturbing my rowmates every two hours. My saving grace? Dr. Jart+ Cryo Rubber Hydrating Face Masks. Do I look a little crazy? Absolutely. But my fiancé is usually the only one next to me, and he’s seen me do way crazier things. Trust me—your skin will thank you, and you’ll avoid potential breakouts. Plus, let’s be real—you’ll probably never see these people again, so go ahead and lean into the crazy.

Noise-Canceling Headphones

Taking a red-eye? Bring the headphones. My Sony noise-canceling headphones have been lifesavers in loud spaces and overwhelming environments. I’ve had mine for over three years, and they hold an insane charge. I genuinely can’t imagine traveling without them.

Snacks

Do you get hangry easily? Same. Just like the Snickers commercial—I’m not me when I’m hungry. I learned this early on, and now my snack obsession not only saves me but also my travel companions. (The first time my fiancé saw my full pouch of snacks, he laughed. Now? He knows better.)

Be the friend with the snacks! Here are my go-to travel munchies:

• Pacific Gold Beef Jerky – A protein-packed, no-fridge-needed option. I love the teriyaki flavor (Costco carries it, too!).
• Uncrustables – These start frozen and defrost over time, making them perfect for travel. The peanut butter provides lasting energy.
• Sunbelt Granola Bars – Specifically, oats & honey. Gav prefers banana oat, both are linked. Bonus: they’re not messy or crumbly.
• Liquid IV – Not technically a snack, but great for replenishing electrolytes. My fave? Sherbet flavor.
• Goldfish or Cheez-Its – No logic here—just my millennial love for nostalgic cheesy snacks.
• Pomegranate Vanilla Cashews – For some reason, I only buy these for trips. No idea why, but they feel like a fancy little treat.
• Love Crunch Organic Dark Chocolate & Red Berries Granola – Because I like my granola with a little pizzazz.
• Kirkland Peanut Butter Pretzels – A perfect salty snack. I grab the big jug from Costco and portion them into travel baggies.

Wet Wipes

Not the sexiest item, but so necessary. Wet Ones wipes are a must-have for travel. Getting sick while traveling? No thanks. Access to a sink isn’t always easy, so these come in handy for everything. I swear my premature mom mode kicked in with these, but trust me—you’ll use them more than you think.

Portable Charger

A dead phone while traveling is a major no-no. From boarding passes to binge-watching shows, keeping your device charged is a top priority. My Anker portable charger was a Christmas gift last year, and now it’s a staple in my carry-on. It’s magnetic and doesn’t require extra cords—an easy win when packing.

Packing the perfect carry-on is all about finding what works for you. For me, it’s a mix of entertainment, hydration, skincare, and, of course, snacks. The goal? To feel comfortable, prepared, and ready for whatever the journey brings. So, whether you’re a light packer or a “bring everything just in case” traveler like me, I hope this list helps you make your next trip a little smoother.

Safe travels & happy packing!